Health Medical Information

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

What Causes Gastritis?

Gastritis can be caused by irritation due to excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also be caused by any of the following:

* Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): A bacteria that lives in the mucous lining of the stomach. Without treatment the infection can lead to ulcers, and in some people, stomach cancer.
* Pernicious anemia: A form of anemia that occurs when the stomach lacks a naturally occurring substance needed to properly absorb and digest vitamin B12.
* Bile reflux: A backflow of bile into the stomach from the bile tract (that connects to the liver and gallbladder).
* Infections caused by bacteria and viruses

If gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to a severe loss in blood, or in some cases increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Gastritis?
Symptoms of gastritis vary among individuals, and in many people there are no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include:

* Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
* Abdominal bloating
* Abdominal pain
* Vomiting
* Indigestion
* Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night
* Hiccups
* Loss of appetite
* Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
* Black, tarry stools

What Is the Treatment for Gastritis?

Treatment for gastritis usually involves:

* Taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acid, which causes further irritation to inflamed areas.
* Avoiding hot and spicy foods.
* For gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe a regimen of several antibiotics plus an acid blocking drug (used for heartburn).
* If the gastritis is caused by pernicious anemia, B12 vitamin shots will be given.

Once the underlying problem disappears, the gastritis usually does, too. You should talk to your doctor before stopping any medicine or starting any gastritis treatment on your own.

What Is Heartburn?

Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. (Some of the symptoms, however, are similar to those of a heart attack or heart disease.) Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid.

With gravity’s help, a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, keeps stomach acid in the stomach. The LES is located where the esophagus meets the stomach — below the rib cage and slightly left of center. Normally it opens to allow food into the stomach or to permit belching; then it closes again. But if the LES opens too often or does not close tight enough, stomach acid can reflux, or seep, into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.

Occasional heartburn isn’t dangerous, but chronic heartburn can indicate serious problems and can develop into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn is a daily occurrence for about 10% of Americans and up to 50% of pregnant women. It’s an occasional nuisance for 30% of the population.

What Causes It?

The basic cause of heartburn is an underactive lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, that doesn’t tighten as it should. Two excesses often contribute to this problem: too much food in the stomach (overeating) or too much pressure on the stomach (frequently from obesity or pregnancy). Certain foods commonly relax the LES, including tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, caffeinated products, and peppermint. Dishes high in fats and oils (animal or vegetable) often lead to heartburn, as do certain medications. Stress increases acid production and can cause heartburn. And smoking, which relaxes the LES and stimulates stomach acid, is a major contributor.